Sign Placed Honoring Former Washington State Trooper in Kent

City honors former trooper who lived a long life of dedicated service.

Kent, WA: Today a sign was placed along a busy road in Kent honoring a former Washington State Patrol Trooper.

Trooper Mike Buckingham was medically retired from the State Patrol after a fiery on duty crash in 1981 that occurred between his patrol vehicle and an impaired driver that he was pursuing. He suffered extensive burns and disfigurement all over his body as a result.

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Mike was never able to return to active duty with the State Patrol as he wished, but instead focused his dedication to public speaking, educating the public on traffic safety, and impaired driving issues as well as the devastating consequences often related to impaired driving.

Mike Buckingham lost his battle with cancer and peacefully passed away surrounded by his loved ones January 2, 2014.

Mike was instrumental in establishing and serving on the Kent Police Department’s Drinking Driver Task Force for over 30 years. He joined the task force as a board member in 1983, and in 2001 he was hired part time as a program assistant to the committee.

It is well known around the city of Kent as well as the Kent Police Department that Mike was a tremendous man who truly touched thousands of lives.